Pigmentation problems are common in Dubai due to intense sun exposure, diverse skin tones, and acne-related marks. The most effective plans combine strict sun protection, medical topicals, and carefully selected procedures, with extra caution on darker skin to reduce rebound or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What causes pigmentation, melasma vs sun spots vs PIH
Melasma is hormonally influenced and worsened by UV and heat, sun spots (solar lentigines) are from cumulative sun damage, PIH follows inflammation like acne or eczema. Correct diagnosis matters because melasma often needs long-term medical skincare and gentle procedures, while sun spots and PIH may respond to peels or devices with different settings.
Quick identifiers
Melasma, symmetric patches on cheeks, forehead, upper lip, often recurrent.
Sun spots, discrete brown macules on sun-exposed areas.
PIH, flat brown marks after acne or irritation, common in skin of colour.
First-line care in Dubai, sunscreen and medical topicals
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is non-negotiable to prevent darkening and relapse, then add medical topicals. Most evidence supports hydroquinone or triple-combination creams as first line for melasma, with alternatives like azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, and supportive actives such as niacinamide for some patients. Use under clinical supervision to avoid irritation or ochronosis, especially on darker skin.
At-home actives to discuss with your clinician
Hydroquinone or triple combo for melasma, time-limited courses.
Azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinoids as alternatives or maintenance.
Niacinamide, evidence for hyperpigmented spot reduction in some studies.
Chemical Peels in Dubai for Melasma and Dark Spots
Medical peels, when matched to your skin type and diagnosis, can fade melasma, sun spots, and PIH. Superficial glycolic, lactic, mandelic, or salicylic peels are commonly used, deeper TCA blends require more downtime. On darker skin, conservative strengths, pretreatment with hydroquinone or azelaic acid, and strict sun protection reduce PIH risk.
Typical plan
Superficial peels every 2–4 weeks for a series, maintenance peels less often.
Downtime from none to 5–7 days depending on depth, sun avoidance is critical.
HydraFacial in Dubai for Brightness and Maintenance
HydraFacial exfoliates and infuses antioxidants for immediate glow and smoother texture. It does not replace medical therapy for melasma, it supports clarity and helps maintain results between pigment-directed treatments with minimal downtime, useful before events or as part of a maintenance plan.
Best for
Dullness, mild uneven tone, gentle upkeep, combination with medical skincare.
Skin Boosters in Dubai for Glow, hydration support
Hyaluronic acid skin boosters hydrate the dermis and improve light reflection, they make skin look fresher so spots appear less obvious. They are not primary pigment treatment, they complement peels and medical skincare by improving texture, radiance, and tolerance to actives.
Use cases
Post-series maintenance for radiance, event prep, hydration support in dry climates.
Pigment-safe device options, when and for whom
Lasers and light devices require caution in melasma, some wavelengths can temporarily lighten but relapse and PIH are common, especially with high energy or in darker skin. Fractional non-ablative at conservative settings is sometimes used, but topical therapy and peels remain first line for most patients. If you do consider devices, pretreat with pigment inhibitors and use low fluence under specialist care.
Key points
Avoid aggressive Q-switched or ablative choices for melasma, higher PIH risk.
Consider gentle fractional non-ablative as adjunct in selected cases only.
Always pair with strict sun protection and topical maintenance.
Exosome Therapy in Dubai, adjunctive regeneration
Exosome-based treatments aim to signal repair and may support overall skin quality. Evidence for direct pigment clearance is still emerging, consider exosomes as an adjunct for texture and luminosity, not a replacement for proven pigment protocols.
Treatment pathways, by concern and skin tone
The best plan matches diagnosis and skin type. Here is a practical map.
Melasma
Sunscreen daily, hydroquinone or triple combo under supervision, add superficial peels in clinic, consider cautious fractional non-ablative only if needed. Maintenance with azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, frequent sunscreen reapplication.
PIH after acne
Control acne, sunscreen, azelaic acid or hydroquinone short-term, salicylic or glycolic peels, avoid picking, space procedures to limit irritation.
Sun spots
Sunscreen, chemical peels, consider device options case-by-case, maintenance skincare to prevent recurrence.
Quick comparison table
| Modality | Best for | Sessions | Downtime | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Medical chemical peels | Melasma, PIH, sun spots | 3–6+ | None to 5–7 days | Proven for pigment, adjust strength for darker skin. |
HydraFacial | Glow, mild uneven tone | Ongoing maintenance | None | Supportive only, not a melasma cure. |
Skin boosters | Radiance, hydration | 1–3, then maintenance | 0–2 days | Adjunct for luminosity, not primary pigment therapy. |
Pigment-safe devices | Selected cases | 1–3+ | 2–7 days typical | Use conservative settings, pretreat, higher PIH risk in darker skin. |
Who should avoid or adapt treatment
Pregnancy and breastfeeding, pause hydroquinone or strong peels, choose gentle care. Active eczema or dermatitis, stabilize barrier first. Recent sunburn or tanning, delay procedures. Fitzpatrick IV–VI, use conservative peels, pretreat with inhibitors, avoid aggressive devices to reduce PIH risk.
Halal Services we offer here at Genomed
Chemical peel in Dubai, pigment control with medical acids and protocols
HydraFacial in Dubai, maintenance glow and gentle exfoliation
Skin booster in Dubai, hydration and luminosity support
Exosome therapy in Dubai, adjunct for regeneration and texture
